OUR ROOTS. This congregation was incorporated as "Yuba City Church of Christ" on July 26, 1944. Initially, worship was in the homes of various members.

The first building we occupied was temporary, being located on Percy Avenue, where the Bee Hive Market is currently located. We remained there until our new building was constructed across the street at 290 Percy Avenue. Anita Baker and Betty Leyden's father was the contractor who constructed the building. We occupied this building in 1947, and remained at this location until the mid-1960's. James (Jim) W. Nickens came on board as the preacher in approximately 1965. The men of the congregation agreed March 29, 1966 to explore the possibility of the purchase of new property that would facilitate our expansion. Jim Nickens was a leading proponent for this expansion. Jim Guess facilitated this decision because of his knowledge of local building contractors.

CURRENT SITE. Our proposed site was in the Stabler Estates Subdivision. Unfortunately, this land was zoned for housing only. Mr. A. B. Wagner came to our rescue. He was an engineer employed by Sunsweet. He had built one of the earliest homes in this subdivision. It was located on Dana Way. Mr. Wagner argued before the City Planning Commission to permit the building of a church in this subdivision. Mr. Wagner later remarked, "You sure are a quiet bunch. I can't even hear any singing."

FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS. Our site consisted of four lots in this subdivision. It was owned by George P. Holkyard. The use permit for construction was granted by the city in April 1966. Following this, the land was purchased for $22,374.00. Mid-Valley Savings agreed July 21, 1966 to provide financing for the parsonage in the amount of $19,000.00. Church Loan Inc., Amarillo, Texas, agreed on July 28, 1966 to finance the construciton of our building. The loan was for $64,000.00. A. Teichert and Sons Construction paved the parking lot on August 11, 1966 for $2,400.32.

We sold our building on Percy Avenue to the Freewill Baptist Church. These funds helped us reduce our payments and defray some other expenses.

Item of trivia: Our newly hired, young preacher discovered that payments for the Percy Avenue building were arriving late. He was wisely advised by one of our elders to "cool it, don't make waves, we don't want the building back."

PARSONAGE & AUDITORIUM. Construction commenced after securing the financing. Numerous local contractors were involved. They did the minimum work the law allowed. The men of the congregation completed the work, including the outside sheeting, decking, and installation and lagging of the floor. The additional work by the men was something we enjoyed each time we entered the auditorium. The men installed the finger and groove ceiling on the interior of the auditorium.

Significant contributions by men of the congregation need to be recognized. Jim Guess did all the plumbing. George Schorder, Citrus Heights congregation, installed the wiring. Connie Crowell, Manda's husband, built the steps serving the baptistry, the outside steps to the loft, and all the hand rails. Dewey Dotson, late husband of Virginia, built the cement benches and cement blocks in the parking lot.

The parsonage was started in October and completed within one month.

It is believed that Wayne Ansted was the last baptism in the Percy Avenue building. The last wedding at the Percy Avenue site was Wayne and Vesta Ansted. Both have suffered progressive dementia since.

The first worship service at our new location was December 4, 1966.

Items of significance on this date: Sherrie Blankenship was 13 years old; Janie Altenbach was 5 years of age; and Susan Williams was 4 years of age.

Miscellaneous trivia: Wayne Ansted was in Vietnam and wishing he was someplace else.

The membership experienced real joy doing the Lord's work. However, everyone concedes that a lot of effort and many long hours after work were involved. This was a significant accomplishment. The Appeal-Democrat reported that the facility was valued at $120,000, yet through the contribution of the membership, the work was accomplished for approximately $80,000.

Averill Roberts, brother-in-law of Irene Stephens, was the first baptism in our new building.

More trivia: In November 1965, the preacher's salary was $600.00 monthly. In the same month, our PG&E bill was $13.90.

MEMBERSHIP. Of those brothers and sisters who relocated from Percy Avenue to this location, 22 are still with us.

ELDERSHIP. Since establishment of this congregation at this location, the following men have served as elders: Darrel Collins, George Gains, Carl Bruce, Ichn kennedy, Cliff Cannon, Larry Wagner, Hubert Carter, Ron Udovich, Randall Shumate, Verner Weinreich, Wayne Ansted, and Marlin Lofton.

PREACHERS. Men serving as preachers for this congregation at this site have included Jim Nickens, Larry Cain, William Gene Brock, Rudy Marrow, Steve Housley, Barl Rabon, and Alan Poteet. Our current preacher, Larry Cain, validates the axiom that if it didn't take the first time, try it again.

RECOGNITION. On a serious note, certain men need special recognition for the role they have played in the beautiful facility we currently enjoy. They "stood and delivered," putting their own means at risk, by guaranteeing payment of the various loans for the parsonage and auditorium. They were Clarence Bessire, Jim Guess, Hubert Carter, Ralph Sevall, George Gaines and others.